Mosto Named Dean of College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Sciences

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Dr. Patricia Mosto of Pitman, N.J., is the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Sciences (CLAES) at Rider University. Mosto, who will also serve as a professor of Biology, assumed her roles at Rider on July 1.

Mosto succeeds Dr. Joseph E. Nadeau, who retired after serving 11 years as dean. Mosto brings 26 years of teaching experience and 13 years of administrative experience in higher education.

“Dr. Mosto brings a wealth of experience as a faculty member, chair and senior administrative leader to Rider. She is a distinguished academic, and I feel we are most fortunate to have her as a colleague,” said Dr. Donald Steven, the University’s Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Mosto comes to Rider from Rowan University, where she served as interim Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of Biology. Mosto’s prior administrative posts included chair of Rowan University’s self study for the Middle States Commission of Higher Education, interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and chair of the Biology Department.

“I see the appointment as dean as a problem-solving leader,” Mosto said. “As a teacher you affect the students directly. As a dean, you are leading and supporting colleagues who are teaching them.”

Mosto has conducted research for the Naval Service for Investigation and Development in Argentina, as well as Rohm & Hass, Corp., and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Pennsylvania. Her work has also been published in more than 100 publications and presentations. Mosto has received research grants totaling more than $1 million dollars.

Mosto holds a doctorate in Environmental Biology from the University of Buenos Aires-Argentina. She also holds a master’s degree in environmental sciences from Drexel University, a master’s degree in Phycology (the study of algae) from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of Buenos Aires-Argentina. In addition, Mosto holds a N.T.A. in Education from the Teachers College N 6-Argentina.

“I immediately fell in love with Rider and its people,” Mosto said. “I think there is tremendous opportunity for growth. I’m looking forward to the challenges.”

A published author, Mosto also enjoys writing poetry. Her latest collection of poetry is entitled Senderos de Añoranzas, or Paths of Longings.